Top 20 Lakes around Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne

For families, Lac Vert offers relatively easy access, even with young children. Further afield, Lac d'Aiguebelette is known for its seven supervised, family-friendly beaches with inflatable structures and water games. Closer to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Lac Bleu and Lac des Hurtières also provide supervised swimming areas and children's games.

The lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy water sports like swimming, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding at Lac du Bourget and Lac d'Aiguebelette. Hiking is popular around many lakes, including the 'Tour de Roselend' at Lac de Roselend, and loop walks at Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval Lakes. The region also provides opportunities for mountain biking, climbing, and paragliding. For specific routes, you can explore MTB Trails around Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne or Easy hikes around Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne.

Yes, the region is rich in high-altitude alpine lakes. Lake Cerces is a superb alpine lake offering beautiful views of the Aiguilles d'Arves and the Grand Galibier. Lac de Roselend, at 1,600 meters, features captivating turquoise waters against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Mont Cenis Lake, at 1,974 meters, also provides exceptional views of the Franco-Italian Alps.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for swimming and water sports, with Lac du Bourget reaching 20-25°C and Lac d'Aiguebelette up to 28°C. Hiking and mountain activities are also excellent during this period. In winter, Lac de Montriond offers unique activities like ice diving and cross-country skiing when it freezes.

Lac d'Aiguebelette is famous for its distinctive emerald-green color, earning it the name 'beautiful little waters.' Lac de Roselend boasts captivating turquoise waters that resemble those of the Pacific. Lac Vert is a small natural lake whose colors are attributed to algae, creating a wonderful idyllic setting.

Yes, several lakes offer accessible paths. Lac de Montriond has walking trails that loop around the lake, suitable for all ages. Mont Cenis Lake is also suitable for a family stroll with exceptional views. For an easy hike, Lac Vert is noted for its relatively easy access.

Yes, Lac d'Aiguebelette strictly prohibits motorboats to preserve its natural environment and exceptional ecosystem. This makes it a peaceful spot for non-motorized water activities like stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing.

The town of Aix-les-Bains on the eastern shore of Lac du Bourget is a popular tourist destination with numerous amenities. For high-mountain experiences, the Plan du Lac Hut, located at almost 2,400 meters, offers accommodation and catering services. Many larger lakes have supervised beaches and facilities, while smaller, high-altitude lakes are more secluded.

For a peaceful retreat, consider Lac du Loup, just 35 minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, accessible via a hiking trail. Grande Léchère Lake, nestled at 1,680 meters, offers an intimate, wooded atmosphere. These smaller, high-altitude lakes provide tranquility and stunning mountain vistas away from the larger crowds.

While many lakes offer supervised swimming, Lac du Bourget and Lac d'Aiguebelette are known for their warm waters in summer, making them popular for swimming. For a more natural experience, high-altitude lakes like Lac de Roselend or Lake Grand Ban offer breathtaking, pristine waters, though temperatures will be colder. Always check local regulations and safety conditions before wild swimming.

Plan d'Amont Lake, nestled at 2,078 meters, serves as an excellent starting point for day hikes into the Vanoise National Park. The area around Lac de Roselend also provides access to extensive hiking opportunities in the Beaufortain massif.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in several lakes. Lac de Roselend is a fantastic spot for fishing. Closer to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Oudins Lake and Lac Bleu both offer fishing opportunities. Lac des Hurtières also has designated areas for fishing.